The Family Secret

by N.J. Barker

ONE FAMILY EMPIRE. ONE EXPLOSIVE SECRET. ONE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL.

THE FAMILY SECRET is the intoxicating new thriller from NJ Barker, author of THE HONESTY INDEX.

In a family business, everything is personal, and nothing stays a secret

House of Marcham is under threat. The phenomenally successful fine-fragrance empire has an evocative history and is well respected in the perfume industry, but the scent of success masks something far darker. Jesse is poised to succeed his mother at the helm of the business when an explosive protest rocks the House of Marcham 25th anniversary party, setting off a chain of events that will change the Marcham family forever.

As his dream of leading the firm evaporates, Jesse fights to save something far more important than the family’s legacy – the lives of those he loves.

In the world of luxury fragrance, some perfumes are to die for.

Blending the top notes of the must-watch HBO series Succession with the glamourous heart of House of Gucci and base notes that evoke bestselling author T.M. Logan, The Family Secret is your next obsession in contemporary thrillers.

Praise for THE FAMILY SECRET and NJ

'Fast-moving, clever and well written … will only leave you wanting more.'
Jennie Godfrey, Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things.

'The writing and plotting were really pacy and engaging, and it reminded me of TM Logan.'
Joel Richardson, Publisher for Crime, Michael Joseph.

Readers are loving THE FAMILY SECRET.
'An Awesome read.'
'So clever and atmospheric.'

Genres: Thriller, Amazon, Contemporary, Mystery

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2024

Reviews

[Nicole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I've never read a thriller set in the context of a perfume company before, so that was different! The central question in the book is whether the company will be sold, which honestly didn't excite me all that much, but there was secrets, a kidnapping and murder. Still, a bit too much board/trustee/etc stuff for my liking.

[Emilio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story about corporate backstabbing and family secrets. The author’s prose is lean, no fluff. There was enough tension and sleuthing to keep me turning pages. I also learned a little about the perfume industry. Solid read.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great book by NJ Barker. House of Marcham is a perfume company built from the ground up by the Marcham family. But now it’s under threat. After receiving a threat that the family must pay, an offer to buy the company comes from an unknown purchaser. But then there are threats that accompany that offer. There are a few deaths, kidnappings, secrets, and some pretty big reveals. Jesse is up against the clock to try to save his family’s company, but can he do it?

This is the second book that I have read by NJ Barker. I really enjoy this author because his plots are so vastly different from other plots that I have read. Couple that with his style of writing, and his books really draw you in and keep you reading. It is clear that Barker researched the perfume business in order to write this book with the facts that were sprinkled throughout. I never knew I could care so much about perfume! Haha. None of it felt superfluous though, every fact and detail had a place.

Barker created a wonderful cast of characters. I didn’t know which ones I should trust and which ones I shouldn’t. At one point, I pretty much didn’t trust anyone except for Jesse! But I was blindsided because the ones that I thought could be behind all of this I was wrong about, that’s what makes a book really awesome. Barker also creates a lot of action in this book so there is never a dull moment.

I think thriller lovers would really enjoy this book.

[Rachel Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family vote to decide the new CEO of the House of Marcham, a well-established and family run perfumery business, opens this fast-paced thriller. But things do not go to plan, and Jesse who is a master perfumery nose and his sister Chloe, the family’s business brain, soon discover their parents have other plans. A claim is made against the company; past family misdeeds are resurfacing and seemingly forcing a sale. These family secrets are placing Jesse, his sister Chloe, and those around them in increasing danger. The threatening “broker”, a mysterious figure, blackmails and orchestrates the killings, determined to drive the sale through to its deadline. Jesse starts to trust no-one, using his expert nose for clues in a race to avoid the sale, with his character gaining strength and self-confidence as the plot develops.

Family dynamics are at the heart of the storyline, with simmering past tensions coming to the surface and Jesse on a path to finally discovering the truth at the dramatic conclusion. The Family Secrets also allows the reader believable insights into the world of a luxury perfumery business, with these nuggets of information intertwined within the storyline. A very enjoyable fast-paced thriller, hooking the reader in right from the start and leaving you guessing right to the end.

A first-rate fast-paced thriller, set in a perfumery business. Family misdeeds resurface creating plot tension and twists, hooking the reader right from the start to its dramatic ending.

Thank you to LoveReading for sending me a pre-publication review copy, and in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

First, I would like to thank the author and LoveReading for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
corporate thriller, amateur sleuth

This fast-paced, high-stakes corporate thriller elevates a timid, gifted perfumer to a cunning amateur sleuth.

Jesse has a nose for fragrances, but his sister, Chloé, excels in business. Expecting one of them to be bestowed the honor of taking over the family business and becoming CEO of House of Marcham, the family is shocked when a vague article is published. It asserts that a damages claim will be filed against House of Marcham but provides no context or further details. A protestor, crashing the company’s 25th-anniversary party with a banner that reads “The Marchams Must Pay,” heightens the tension of the situation. Jesse is determined to discover the who and why behind the war against his family’s legacy before it’s too late and the company is lost forever.

The Family Secret is rich with facts about the fragrance industry, which are skillfully interwoven into the suspenseful plot. It is immediately evident that the author, N.J. Barker, conducted thorough research in preparation for this novel. In addition, the characters are well-developed, with the narrative delving into their motivations and insecurities. As Jesse grapples with determining who he can trust while juggling the increasing demands of The Broker with securing the future of the family business, he breaks through his self-doubt and proves he is cunning enough to protect his family and their livelihood. The high-stakes action stays elevated up until the climactic conclusion. Fans of fast-paced corporate thrillers, amateur sleuths, and complicated family dynamics will enjoy this story.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚The Family Secret
✍️N.J. Barker
3⭐️

The Family Secret opens as the CEO and founders of the House of Marcham - a high end luxury perfume company - are choosing their next CEO. The choice is between Chloe; the business savvy daughter and Jesse, the son with a keen nose for perfume who is well on his way to becoming a master perfumer. The book is written from Jesse’s point of view,so naturally he is the character the readers come to know the most, and I liked him. Despite the wealth he was a character with a strong moral compass, sense of right and wrong and you could see the internal struggle between family duty and company progression. I was undecided whether the author knew about the world of perfume from their own life experiences or had researched and seamlessly integrated this into the plot, either way it was very well done and wasn’t overpowering for the reader. The book was written very well, but the family secrets and revelations were somewhat convoluted, and by the ending, I was confused as to the different strands and his they came together - which was ultimately, disappointing.

[Jeanette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am completely bored by this book. There’s no action or thrill. It all seems canned the way family members communicate with each other. There’s an enormous amount of “flourish”, adjectives and descriptors unnecessary to the vibe of the story. “Moms Jimmy Choos, Chloe’s Rolex”. It’s slow moving to the point it’s “unfinishable”. The main character, Jesse, seems detached and at times unable to decide what to do or even how to articulate his thoughts.
The concept of the cook, the plot, is great. Maybe things get better past the 35% mark but it’s hard to imagine and I’m not entirely convinced I’ll stick around to find out the actual Family Secret.
It’s so weird Im the only one feeling this isn’t all that exciting of a read.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun twisty thriller that gains momentum as it goes. A family empire, The House of Marcham fine-fragrance business, is celebrating 25 years of hard won success. However, there’s something dark in its history that wreaks havoc upon the family during this time of transition to the next generation of leadership. With each turn of the page, you’ll want to turn the next faster as the tension and intrigue grow. Just when you think all has been revealed, hold on for another hairpin turn and possible impact. I read this during my passenger time on a road trip. I may have asked my husband to drive a couple extra hours so I could finish. If you read this one, tell me how you liked it.

[Alyssa Fujimoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a bit longer to read than any other book I’ve read recently. The beginning started off really slow, I usually finish books even if I can’t get into them it’s like a tick to me, I cannot “DNF” a book. I was close with this one but once I got like halfway through the book, I flew right through it. Was definitely not expecting the ending at all!! It does make sense for the first half of the book to be slow as it does go into details. So I’m glad I did wind up finishing this!! I would recommend this book, just be prepared for the first half of the book being a bit slower than usual.

[Shelda Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRULY MAGNIFICENT!

I am always pretty much a murder mystery thriller person. but this book had great thrills without all the gore and killing and foul language. I am very impressed with this author, and I can’t wait to read more of his books.. this story kept me awake at night. I did not want to go to sleep, but I had to and I couldn’t wait to get started on the next day.. it is a wonderful story and truly speaks about family and how much family is worth much more than money, even though money scars everything. everyone should read this book. It was great.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just recently discovered Barker's books and I'm really impressed. This one is about The House of Marcham which manufactures designer perfumes. It's a family business with parents Jaqueline and Richard running it until 26-year-old son Jesse takes over. But suddenly an online article appears threatening the company but Jesse is determined to find out who is at the bottom of this viscous note. As he begins to dig, he discovers more than he bargained for!

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good read . Having a break from historical fiction and discovered this little gem. Family intrigue at its best. Throw in greed and a murder of two and I am hooked. Did not realise that the perfume industry had so much intrigue. The characters were interesting as well. Jesse the strong male, Chloe the sister with ambition and the other relatives and friends create a melting pot of emotions.

[Samantha Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time caring much about the characters or finding the plot compelling. There were a few very far fetched plot points (such as main character finding another character’s child on Twitter then quickly getting that person’s address) & also noticed multiple typos with wrong character names/spellings.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Secret was not a novel I thought I would enjoy. Then I could not put it down.

The book is fast paced, carefully written and it held my attention. Character development was logical. The characters were introduced at the appriate time in the story . A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowies what a ride this book was.

This author keeps getting better and better. I was hooked from the off and couldn't put this down at all. Its the best time I've ever had on my commute as I was so engrossed, I nearly missed my stop. A complicated web of characters and plot line and this keeps up the pace throughout. Every page counts and I couldn't wait to see how this would unfold.

One of the best thrillers I've read in a while.

Surprising, daring and riveting.

[Martha L. Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and Turns to the Very End

Set in glamorous London's poshish areas, glittering with the latest fashions, the fanciest cars, and smelling of the finest perfumes this one still delivers some gritty action. It's well-written and an all-around satisfying read.

[alison goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A passionate tale of the lengths people will go to in pursuit of their ideals. A twisting plot with explosive secrets that undermine your assumptions.
Clever, fast-paced and hugely enjoyable

[Mrs Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love family dramas and mystery books and this combined both. It was immediately interesting and ended very well. Good enjoyable thriller.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pacy, complex and intriguing - a thoroughly engaging read. N.J. Barker is a master of well-plotted, fast-moving, very enjoyable thrillers.

[Rebecca L Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

Well written. Keeps you guessing til the end. I am going to get his other two books, also. If they are good as this one, I can't wait to read them!

[Julian Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Fun premise. Unique MC. Great mystery… can’t wait to read more by him :-)

[Sara Pawelkoski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. The twist wasn't amazing but I didn't see it coming.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy and enjoyable to read, but it’s a super facile story. The family secret isn’t that interesting :/

[Eddie Moffatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many twists and turns in this book, also interesting family a bit drawn out but still enjoyed it.

[Jessica Johnson (jess_l_lovessmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid 4.5 rating but in the clerb, we round up! I will say this took me a minute to get into the plot. It started of about Jesse and his sense of smell. This however, benefit him vastly, as his family was the proud proprietors of House of Marcham, a perfume enterprise. Once events started to happen I became very weary of so many characters. When I tell you the events that started to take place, I did not see coming at all. I have not read this author before so I was going about this whole story so completely blind. Every single guess I came up with was wrong. I did not think that I could be so invested in a perfume company, BUT I WAS! There were so many situations that kept leaving me so puzzled. I began not trusting anyone.

I never bring a book to bed because I need my sleep but I will tell you this, I read the end on my phone. I could not sleep without know what happened. I rolled over and grabbed my phone and finished this book. I was shocked and will be reading more from this author.

꧁𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼꧂

But Jesse had no idea what it was, what his family should have to pay for, or who they should be paying.

You do your screening on that sort of thing. He ticked everything else off.’ ‘You have a checklist?’ ‘Oh, yes. Not strong enough to physically hurt you, not charismatic enough to break your heart, and not smart enough to steal all your money.’

No plan survives first contact with the enemy.

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. This is the second book from this author that I have read. This is totally different from ‘The Genius Club’ . Set in the world of the high end fragrance business, it’s also about a family. A family in crisis due to a secret from the past which could ruin their whole world. Who can you trust when there is so much at stake? What would you do to protect your family? What would you do to reveal the truth? I learnt such a lot about perfume from some of the major brands, too. The author weaves this information into the narrative as a way of capturing the ‘essence’ (!) of a character - really interesting. There is even a list of all the perfumes mentioned, should you need a shopping list. I am really looking forward to reading the other books by this author.